Rutland is fast becoming "a solar city" featuring 10 megawatts of solar power, on-bill financing to help homeowners pay for solar upgrades, quick-charge technology for electric vehicles, "smart" street light monitors, and more. As a result of innovative work being done by Green Mountain Power, Senator Bernie Sanders said Rutland is becoming "a real spark plug for the rest of the state and the rest of the country." The Rutland Herald agreed, writing in an editorial: "It's hard to overstate the potential for these efforts for the city and the region."

“At a time when it is clear that global warming poses the greatest threat the planet has ever faced, I am very pleased that Green Mountain Power is making great strides in its effort to make Rutland, Vermont the solar capital of New England,” Sen. Sanders said. “Their success in Rutland, working with local community partners, to dramatically expand solar energy in the city is extraordinary. I applaud the outstanding work being done here, which shows the rest of the country that we can transform our energy system from foreign oil to sustainable energy.”